For shelter volunteers, there’s no greater joy than seeing a long-time furry resident finally walk into a forever home. That feeling is priceless and definitely worth all the effort.
When Rigsby, a black Lab, found his perfect family, his caregivers from the Maryland rescue couldn’t have been happier. Rigsby gained a loving home, caring owners, and what seemed to be the perfect life.
Little did they know that only six years later, the life he knew would be gone. Rigsby, once a beloved dog, was found abandoned in a park with only his collar tags.
Adopted In 2019
Black dog syndrome is a never-ending problem in shelters all around the U.S. Fortunately, that didn’t stop Rigsby from finding his perfect match. This sweet boy was happily adopted into a forever home in 2019 by a seemingly perfect family.
The volunteers at Montgomery County Animal Shelter in Maryland couldn’t have been happier. They showered their sweet resident with cuddles one last time, waved him goodbye, and thought that was about it.
Then, six years and one phone call later, everything changed!
Rigsby, now a 10-year-old Lab, was found all alone in the park with his rabies and collar tags. He was abandoned by his adopters, who claimed they didn’t want him anymore.
“Rigsby is a 10 year old lab who was dumped at a dog park with his rabies tag and a name tag that says #SWEETHRT & #ICHASECATS ☹️ His owners were called and they do not want him back,” volunteer Madeline stated on Instagram.
Rigsby’s situation was absolutely devastating. He didn’t deserve such a cruel ending, yet when the rescuers took him to their facility, Rigsby displayed nothing but love.
He was still the genuinely sweet dog they remembered – potty trained, socialized, and eager to meet new friends.
Sadly, Rigsby also had muscle wasting on his hips and a fatty tumor and required permanent hospice care.
Second Chance
They say that when one door closes, another one opens, and boy, they are right! Despite Rigsby’s heartbreaking abandonment, new hope emerged within only a few days.
Thanks to the organization called The Forgotten Pet Advocates, Rigsby found the perfect foster home with Linda and her dog, Bentley.
To make things even better, Linda was actively searching for a black senior dog to foster, and Rigsby’s situation presented itself as if it were meant to be.
“He will be spoiled rotten and most of all loved. His every wish will come true. He couldn’t be in a better place,” FPA wrote on Facebook.
The only remaining dilemma was how Rigsby would fit into Linda and Bentley’s lives. But, only a few minutes into their first encounter, the three connected as if they were together all along. It was just meant to be!
Today, Rigsby and his family are inseparable!
“Rigsby has settled right in perfectly and Bentley is so happy to have him there! They sleep side by side and Rigsby just wants to be near both, his brother and his Mama! We couldn’t be happier for this sweet boy,” FPA concluded.
After all the heartbreaks, Rigsby finally has the perfect place to be. And, he couldn’t be happier!